Smitty's Tree Service rip-off
I had Smitty's tree service to drop 12 trees and remove all brush. They were to leave the trees laying on the ground. They came on Wednesday August 22, and dropped 8 trees and also broke the top off our well.
They never covered the top of the well, leaving it all open. I was told that they would replace the cap the next day when they were to return to drop the other 4 trees.
The next day, they returned and dropped the 4 trees, damaging 3 other trees in the process, and never replaced the well cap. I called several well drilling compainies and was told not to drink our water, as something could of fallen into our well.
On Saturday am, a well drilling company came to our house to replace the well cover. I called the owner of the tree service (Tony Smith) to come also. Tony showed up just as the well drilling company was done.
The well drilling company wrote out the bill for $100.00. Tony stated that he forgot his checkbook. I had to pay for his company breaking something. Tony told me that he would come within 2 hours and pay me back.
Now the next day, I do not have my money and Tony will not answer his phone or return my phone calls.
Yes, I feel like I have been ripped off.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Tony Smith
Front Royal,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Smitty's Tree Service - honest, reliable company
#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, February 04, 2009
This "report" was just brought to my attention (Jan 2009) EIGHT years after the incident. Yes, there was an accident, the well cap was broken off when a tree twisted and clipped the edge of it. The customer called the office and immediately spoke to my wife who assured her that we would fix it or pay for the repair. My wife has verified with me that she spoke with the customer numerous time over that week because the customer was extremely upset and very difficult to calm. I was called out at the last minute to meet the well company, which I happily did. I did not pay for the damage because the customer DEDUCTED the damage from her payment to me. The homeowner WAS reimbursed in full because we don't accept payment for a job until it is finished and the customer is satisfied.
Tree work is a very meticulous art and accidents will happen - with our company they are rare (praise God, we've never had to file an insurance claim) - but this customer was very lucky to be dealing with a company willing to come back and pay for the repair. This situation certainly does not deserve to ruin the good reputation of an honest, hard working man - especially 8 YEARS LATER. We are always available by phone or email and our references are unmatched by any other tree company we know of. Again, this type of melicious slander should be verified before being thrown out to the public as truth. We have 1000s of customers who are extremely happy with our work and know us to have the best prices and the most experience.